Question

The polynomial 10x3 + 35x2 − 4x − 14 is factored by grouping.

10x3 + 35x2 − 4x − 14

5x2(____) − 2(____)

What is the common factor that is missing from both sets of parentheses?

−2x − 7
2x + 7
−2x2 + 7
2x2 + 7

Answer 1

Factor each group: 10x^3 + 35x^2 = 5x^2(2x + 7) and −4x − 14 = −2(2x + 7).
The common factor is 2x + 7.